Structure fire reveals marijuana grow house operation

Published: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 12:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 12:00 p.m.

OCALA - Marion County firefighters rushed to a house fire Monday night and reportedly uncovered a large marijuana grow house operation in the process.

Marion County Fire Rescue called Marion County sheriff’s deputies out to a home at 25 Lake Wood Circle around 10:45 p.m. Monday, where they found four rooms inside being used to grow marijuana.

What they did not find was anyone living at the home.

Fire Rescue spokeswoman Heather Danenhower said eight units responded to the second-story fire in the two-story home, which is inside the Meadow Wood Farms subdivision.

She said firefighters broke through a locked gate and a few fences guarding the property to get to the blazing structure. Inside, the fire was traveling from upstairs to the lower floor. Firefighters contained the blaze in about 40 minutes.

Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Jenifer Fisher said deputies are investigating the scene and trying to find out who lives at the residence.

<p>OCALA - Marion County firefighters rushed to a house fire Monday night and reportedly uncovered a large marijuana grow house operation in the process.</p><p>Marion County Fire Rescue called Marion County sheriff’s deputies out to a home at 25 Lake Wood Circle around 10:45 p.m. Monday, where they found four rooms inside being used to grow marijuana. </p><p>What they did not find was anyone living at the home.</p><p>Fire Rescue spokeswoman Heather Danenhower said eight units responded to the second-story fire in the two-story home, which is inside the Meadow Wood Farms subdivision. </p><p>She said firefighters broke through a locked gate and a few fences guarding the property to get to the blazing structure. Inside, the fire was traveling from upstairs to the lower floor. Firefighters contained the blaze in about 40 minutes.</p><p>Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Jenifer Fisher said deputies are investigating the scene and trying to find out who lives at the residence.</p><p><i>Joe Van Hoose</i></p>